Discover Dorset: 4 equestrian properties that we’re dreaming about
Head to the West Country with our pick of idyllic equestrian set-ups
1. Barleycorn House, near Shaftesbury
For you: a five-bedroom country house that was previously a packhorse inn, which enjoys far-reaching rural views over surrounding Cranborne Chase farmland. The property has a cellar, studio, barn and hayloft, which has potential for conversion, subject to planning.
For the horses: a traditional brick-built stable block with one loosebox and a tack/feed room, plus a corrugated barn with a lean-to. Set in 1.45 acres.
What’s the damage? £925,000
Agent: Fox Grant
Telephone: 01722782727
Visit: foxgrant.com
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2. School House, near Gillingham
For you: an attractive period house with three bedrooms, a large hall and a timber building outside. The timber building features an open-fronted garage with a guest bedroom and cloakroom on the first floor. There are pretty lawned gardens with a terrace and rural views to woods beyond.
For the horses: two stables with stores and a paddock of about 1.7 acres. Set in a total of two acres.
What’s the damage? £625,000
Agent: Greenslade Taylor Hunt
Telephone: 01935 813577
Visit: gth.net
3. Rectory Farm, near Dorchester
For you: a 17th-century Grade II-listed converted barn, close to Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast. The property has four bedrooms, a galleried drawing room and underfloor heating on the ground floor. The house has views of the surrounding countryside from every window.
For the horses: 11 internal and seven external boxes, with an all-weather arena and separate parking areas for both the house and the stables. Set in eight acres with potential to purchase more land.
What’s the damage? £1.5m
Agent: Fine & Country
Telephone: 01929 555300
Visit: fineandcountry.com
Continued below…
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Our pick of equestrian properties for sale in enviable hunting country
4. Slough House, near Wimborne
For you: a former cottage that has been extended and improved over time. It now has five bedrooms including a master with a balcony, and Fired Earth oak and slate flooring in much of the ground floor. Outside is a small lake, and a former office/storage building with planning permission to convert for residential use.
For the horses: a stable block with eight boxes. Set in 20.4 acres.
What’s the damage? £1.65m
Agent: Savills
Telephone: 01202 856800
Visit: savills.com
Next week: Equestrian properties for sale near racecourses
Ref: Horse & Hound; 2 November 2017
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A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.